1. Renewable & Low Carbon Energy Source
Carbon Cycling:
Unlike fossil fuels that release a new load of ancient, lithospheric carbon into the atmosphere when combusted, biomethane is produced from a range of organic wastes. The carbon fraction of this feedstock is recaptured through the continuous process of photosynthesis as part of the natural biological cycle, and so represents no additional load to the system; it’s a form of planetary recycling! That said, when this organic waste decomposes naturally, it does release fugitive methane —a potent greenhouse gas—into the atmosphere. When we capture and use it as biomethane, we’re preventing those emissions, while also displacing fossil gas at the same time. There are of course some ancillary sources of emissions associated with this platform that relate to transportation and process energy that will reduce in due course, but this platform is ready to go now, and can deliver overall GHG reductions of >90% today for many ‘hard to abate’ industries and applications.
Reduces Waste:
Biomethane production utilises organic waste materials, such as agricultural residues, food waste, animal manure and sewage sludge. This not only reduces the amount of waste going to landfills and its associated environmental issues but also harnesses its energy potential.
2. Versatile & Flexible Energy Solution
Compatible with Existing Infrastructure: Biomethane can be refined and upgraded to a purity level where it is virtually identical to fossil aka ‘natural’ gas. This means it can be injected into the existing gas grid, stored, transported and used using existing infrastructure, avoiding the need for expensive modifications, retooling of industry or new installations.
Diverse Applications: Whether it’s for heating homes, generating electricity, producing green chemicals or fueling vehicles, biomethane’s versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of applications. For example, when used in vehicles, biomethane can significantly reduce carbon emissions compared to traditional gasoline or diesel.
3. Supports Local Economies & Provides Energy Security
Local Production: Biomethane facilities can be set up close to where the waste is produced, such as farms or urban centers, reducing transportation costs and emissions. This promotes local energy production and can contribute to rural development by providing new revenue streams for farmers and other organic waste producers such as food manufacturers.
Reduces Dependence on Imported Fuels: As countries look to decrease their reliance on imported fossil fuels, biomethane offers a renewable, domestic source of energy, bolstering energy security and reducing the vulnerability to supply disruptions and volatile prices by making better use of waste that is always going to be generated – why not make responsible use of it?
In conclusion, biomethane stands out as a renewable, versatile, and secure energy source. As we move towards a greener future, its role in the energy mix becomes increasingly vital, providing both environmental and socio-economic benefits, just as it already does in many other parts of the world today!
